Merton Strain Theory

Question 1

Views of Merton:

Answer 1

Thinks crime is a dysfunction in society

Society is structurally unequal and that the inability of some members to achieve the ‘American dream’ leads to a strain.

Question 2

Explain the strain theory:

Answer 2

Suggests people react diff to American dream

Some continue to accept socially approved goals and strive to achieve those through legitimate/ illegitimate means.

Question 3

Stapling adaptation to strain:

Answer 3

Conformity
Retreatism
Rebellion
Ritualism
Innovation

Question 4

Explain conformity:

Answer 4

Individuals accept approved goals and strive to achieve legitimately. Typical response to americans.

Question 5

Explain innovation:

Answer 5

Individuals accept goal of money success but use illegitimate means like theft and fraud to achieve

Question 6

Explain ritualism:

Answer 6

Individuals give up trying to achieve goals and follow rules for own sake

Question 7

Explain retreatism:

Answer 7

Individuals reject both goals and legitimate means and become droupouts. Merton includes “psychotics” as an example

Question 8

Explain rebellion:

Answer 8

Individuals reject society existing goals and means but replace with new ones to create new kind of society.

Question 9

Evaluation:

Answer 9

Over represents working class crime and it’s too deterministic

Marxists argue that it ignores power of ruling class and enforce laws in ways that criminalise the poor